The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) offers the necessary academic experience in order to become a Registered Dietitian. It is designed for individuals who wish to complete their supervised practice following their attainment of a Bachelor’s of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition. Supervised practice must be obtained via completion of an accredited Dietetic Internship to be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians. There are a variety of internships throughout the United States, though not many in South Florida. Admission is very competitive; generally good grades and volunteer/work experience are essential.

The Didactic Program in Dietetics is currently granted developmental approval status by The Commission on Accreditation of Dietetics Education of The American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois, 60606, (312) 899-0040, ext. 5400.  Upon completion of this program, all students are eligible to receive a Didactic Program Verification Statement and may apply to an accredited dietetic internship program to obtain the supervised practice experience required to become eligible to sit for the National Registration Examination for Dietitians.

·         Admission to the University Undergraduate Program  

·         GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale

·         Students with 60 semester hours and a 2.0 GPA can be admitted as a Dietetics and Nutrition major into the Didactic Program in Dietetics. Admission is granted by University Admissions office. Students with fewer than 60 semester hours must meet the same requirements as a freshman and must submit SAT scores. The freshman applicant has earned 1000 on the SAT (met university admission requirements) and graduated from high school with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Once 60 credits and the CLAST exam has been completed, students must declare this major per University policy.

·         Students must receive a grade of “C” or higher in all courses in the department.

Students interested in the Didactic Program must apply to the University via the Admissions Office and complete a State University application. There is not a separate application for the Didactic Program.

A schedule of registration and tuition fees for all programs is published prior to each semester and can be obtained at the Office of Registration and Records.

Program Cost
In addition to tuition and fees, student expenses in this program include: uniform, lab coat, and (uniform) shoes; student membership in the American Dietetic Association recommended.

For a list of courses and community college equivalent click on advisement worksheets (.pdf format).

Testing out of courses or credit for life experiences
The Department has a policy of allowing students to "test out" of 3000 level classes or below. The procedure is that the student must notify the Department and the faculty member responsible for that course, of their intent to do this. He/she must register for the course the term it is offered and sit for the "challenge exam" no later than Wednesday of the first week of class (the exam can also be taken prior to the beginning of the semester). The grade on the exam will then be recorded as the grade for the course. If the student receives a D or less on the exam, then the individual must sit in the class and complete all course requirements that semester. If the student decides to postpone taking the class, he/she must drop the course the first week of class in order not to incur a financial responsibility for the course.

Students desiring to major in general dietetics and nutrition need the following FIU course equivalents in addition to completing the general education requirements:

FIU undergraduates must have met all lower division requirements including CLAST, completed 60 semester hours, and must be otherwise acceptable into the program in order to declare this major. Basic computer literacy is expected.

Junior Year
Summer Semester: (14 Credits)